LEEDS UNITED manager Howard Wilkinson is banking on Ian Rush to restore the club to the forefront of English football, just as Gordon Strachan did before him. The Welsh international is moving to Yorkshire from Merseyside on a free transfer after 16 trophy filled years at Anfield.

Rush (34) has agreed a two year deal which will officially start on July 1st with Liverpool paying his wages in the interim.

Wilkinson could not disguise his delight at securing the veteran striker's signature in face of opposition from clubs in Britain and abroad.

"He is as significant and as important a signing as I have made," he said. "I tried to sign him four years ago and have no doubts about his hunger for the game. He has certainly got the ability.

Leeds' frustrated fans will now be looking for Rush to turn the club around in the way Strachan did. The little Scot joined up in 1989 at the age of 32, following a £300,000 move from Manchester United on deadline day. A year later he captained the club to the second division title. Leeds were on the up and in 1992 Strachan led them to their first League championship in 18 years, pipping his former club United in the process.

. Newcastle defender Steve Howey, who has not played since injuring his hamstring in the 4-3 defeat at Anfield last month, has, been called up to replace Mark Wright, who was injured at the weekend, in the England squad for their tour of the Far East.